Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie discussion
Before You Publish
>
Amazon is doing something strange with paperbacks
I'm glad you brought this up. I notice that now Amazon instantly asks you if you'd like to create a paperback when you publish your Kindle title. My thought was why bother when there's Createspace? It turns out that if you use Amazon for paperbacks you, as the author, do not get a price break on your own orders. You pay full price and shipping. Who would willingly use Amazon for paperbacks over Createspace? But Amazon owns Createspace so it makes even less sense. My husband thinks Amazon will start phasing out Createspace and people will use Amazon for paperbacks by default. I agree with him. Ive often thought Createspace was too good to be true.
I've just given up on CS and KDP paperback and have started paying the $50 to set up my titles on Ingram Spark. I haven't been happy with the quality of the paperbacks from Amazon or CS for a while now, anyway. One I ordered from CS recently cut off half of my author name on the spine of the book, and on both CS and KDP, even with a 300 dpi, high quality file for the cover, the colors come out faded looking.
I will add that Ingram Spark books are also available for Amazon Prime POD ordering.
Nicole wrote: "I will add that Ingram Spark books are also available for Amazon Prime POD ordering."Is this similar to/better than BookBaby?
Mod
Nicole- so to move over to Ingram Spark- you get the files you just download and it is a 20 dollar charge? It is POD? Did you retire the books on Createspace? Did you have to get new ISBNS?
Did you notice a change on your rankings?
Hmm, I have my book available through Createspace AND Ingram Spark. I wonder if this has anything to do with the new KDP paperback? Even Createspace is emailing me and pushing me to try KDP paperback...
Mod
Just curious...Trying to figure out a back up plan if Createspace does something weird...Why did you publish through two different platforms and do you have a different ISBN for each one?
Nicole wrote: "I've just given up on CS and KDP paperback and have started paying the $50 to set up my titles on Ingram Spark. I haven't been happy with the quality of the paperbacks from Amazon or CS for a while..."I've had trouble with orders from CS on three occasions over the last two years, all having to do with cover color on proofs. In all cases, when I've called them, they have redone the order at no cost and expedited shipment.
Erica wrote: "C.L. wrote: "Hmm, I have my book available through Createspace AND Ingram Spark. I wonder if this has anything to do with the new KDP paperback? Even Createspace is emailing me and pushing me to tr..."I did Ingram Spark because brick and mortar stores prefer it - they don't like supporting Amazon, Ingram allows for deeper discounts for booksellers, and it lets you make your books returnable which is important if a bookseller is going to take a risk on your book.
I did Amazon because I can make the price much lower there, and Amazon prefers to promote its own business more than Ingram Spark's business. They make more profit off of my sales and will be more motivated to push and promote my books.
I have my own ISBN, and since editions are identical I can use the same ISBN for both. You can't use a createspace ISBN on Ingram spark, but you can do whatever you want with your own.
Oh, and the great thing about making my book cheaper on Amazon is that it forces retailers like Barnes and Noble, who get my book through Ingram Spark, to price match. So they lower the price on their side of the table, without me losing my cut through Ingram Spark. Mwahahahahaha.
Erica....how much do you have to pay annually on each book for the returnable option? Alternatively, how does that work on Ingram?Also, it's not clear to me from the above whether you now use IS or have switched to Amazon. Can you clarify? Thanks.
If you guys want to list your book on Ingram this month, you can get the setup fees waived with this coupon code: INDIEFRINGE17It expires April 30 :).
I publish to Createspace for Amazon-only and to Ingram for everything else. If you have already opted for expanded distribution on Createspace, you will have to remove those channels. You also need your own ISBN.
Carole wrote: "I did hardcover with Bookbaby- I think they are not POD- but I could be wrong.Nicole- so to move over to Ingram Spark- you get the files you just download and it is a 20 dollar charge? It is POD?..."
If you used your own ISBNs on CS or KDP, you can carry them over to Ingram Spark, but if you used the ones that CS/KDP gave you for free then you'll have to get a new one. The charge for a print book is $25 for a new book cover file and $25 for a new interior file totaling $50 for a new book. They do charge you to change the files, so make sure it's exactly how you want it before you upload.
It is more expensive, so you have to decide what your priority is, quality or price. They are also very finicky with the file types they accept. You have to save the PDF files just right, so that fonts are embedded in the interior, and some 2001 option on the PDF cover file.
It is POD, and I do love the quality, especially for their hardcovers.
Ranking is about the same, but I think that has more to do with the individual's marketing efforts and not so much who distributes the book.
Something else to keep in mind, is if you want to eventually get your print book into a brick and mortar book store, they won't buy it from Amazon (their competitor), but they will buy it from a big distributor like Ingram Spark. Most will only do so if your print book has the price printed in the UPC area, which you can't do with CreateSpace's book cover creator tool.
Basically, it all comes down to what your specific goals are, and what method will be consistent with you reaching those goals.
Mod
Also, it's not clear to me from the above whether you now use IS ..."
I am currently with Createspace. I am just exploring my options incase I need to switch in the future.
I have been very happy with Createspace so far, I am just worried things might change with the new kdp print option.
Erica wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Erica....how much do you have to pay annually on each book for the returnable option? Alternatively, how does that work on Ingram?Also, it's not clear to me from the above whethe..."
Thanks for the quick response. I, too, am very pleased with both the quality of the books as well as the service. I've called at all hours of the day and night, and the people in South Africa, SC, and Costa Rica have always been most responsive. As well, the cost of books I purchase couldn't be fairer...I do give a lot of books away, especially to parents of children and in the schools I visit. If I have to switch to a printer who charges me retail, that definitely will curtail my gifting significantly.
Mod
Also, it's not clear to me from th..."
I agree. I have had printing issues in the past as well and Createspace has always been quick to rectify the situation at no additional cost to me. I do not plan to switch from Createspace at this time. Though the hardcover option with Ingram Spark is tempting.
Mod
Mod
Mod
Please keep us posted! I am debating trying the hardcover option with Ingram.
What about proof copies? Are you able to purchase your own books from IS at a discount like from CS? Thank you.
Carole wrote: "CL- Will I lose all my reviews if I change the ISBNs?"No, it will link to your existing Amazon page. You may have to request it to be linked, but once they link it, all the reviews will be there.
Nicole wrote: "Carole wrote: "CL- Will I lose all my reviews if I change the ISBNs?"No, it will link to your existing Amazon page. You may have to request it to be linked, but once they link it, all the reviews..."
I think there's a way on Amazon to merge various editions of a book, like on Goodreads, but I haven't had to do it myself. If it's the same book I'm pretty sure they pick up on it and combine the editions.
Sam (Rescue Dog Mom & Writer) wrote: "What about proof copies? Are you able to purchase your own books from IS at a discount like from CS? Thank you."
Yes you are. Prices are slightly higher than createspace though.
Mod
For an affordable hardback POD, you might look into Lulu. I've heard some good reports about them.
Mod
Just got off the phone with Createspace. They said to give them a chance to see what they can do to fix the problem. It seems that others are complaining as well.
They are allowing third parties to sell the books at a lower price- which I'm okay with- we get the same residual, but the problem is the book then shows up not available after is is bought. If you purchase it it goes into your shopping car and is saved for later, costing the author the sale.
I told them I was considering moving my business and they asked for a few days to see if they can dos something to fix it. I will keep you posted.
Mod
You had a problem with Ingram or Lulu?
Mod
told them my dimensions- they told me to just download the book. It didn't work and then no charge turned into 1000 dollars. I gave them a credit card and the cost kept escalating. I couldn't get anyone on the phone, finally manager said they would refund. They never did and I had to get the credit card involved. Whomever, I said to them gave me wrong information didn't work there anymore. It was a wonder that anyone was left to answer phones. lol
never tried Ingram- but I wrote them this morning and am waiting for a response.
Mod
told them my dimensions- they told me to just download the book. It didn't work and then no charge turned into 1000 dollars. I gave th..."
Thank you for keeping us posted. I have been doing a lot of research over the last couple days on Ingram. I would like to try a hardcover copy of Puppy's Bubble. They seem fairly similar to Createspace right now with setup (except for the $25 fee every time a new file is uploaded). Also trying to figure out royalties and cost.
This is incredibly interesting. I think I'll keep my paperback effort on the back burner until all these places get themselves sorted out.
Mod
Mod
Wow! Now $25 doesn't seem as high. I looked at Book Baby at one time and it just didn't appear to be a good fit for me.
Mod
C.L. Thanks for this information. Hugs!!Carole, Thanks for pursuing and updating us on this issue. I do have a children's book in the works and would like to start off by publishing it in the right place. I wish you the best of luck in your situation! Hugs!!
Amazon paperback is in Beta stage. When they're done,, you'll get all the features of Createspace. Since Amazon owns both, they'll probably shut Createspace down. Right now, amazon paperback won't give you author proof copy, author pricing or some other things. It's a 60% royalty. I asked when beta stage will be over, but they said they don't know. I like the sound of Ingram Spark but the cost of the ISBN is worrying me.
Mod
Mod
Mod
Mod
Mod
Mod
Mod
Mod
Amazon informed me (as the buyer) there was only one copy of my pod book If You Were Me and Lived in..Greece.
I bought it.
This is what happened after I bought my POD book.
I went back in and ordered it again and was told there were no more books. No wonder my sales were off.
Important messages about items in your Cart:
We're sorry. The item If You Were Me and Lived in...Greece: A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World (Cultures of the World) is no longer available from the seller you selected. To see if it's available from another seller, click here to return to the item's product detail page.
When you return to the main seller page- you can't buy the book.
Carole, your Greece book is showing on Prime for me at $10.99 and also 6 used from $3.59 and 13 new at $6.50. It's so weird that it's giving you a hard time when it's supposed to be POD :(
That's available in the UK as a paperback on Prime for about £7.40. What's going on? If it's POD shouldn't they always been available? Confused.
Mod
I told them the minute the Prime sticker was gone, no matter how cheap the book is, people will dismiss it. People will pay more just to have the Prime sticker on the price. They explained that it was still prime- but it was in on the right hand side of the screen where the cart was, next to a sign that says "only one in stock." They think saying it's the last book has a motivating effect on buyers. I said it may work with horse shoes or screwdrivers, but it makes a book look like it 's not good enough to print and won't be around to discuss.- like those bargain junk book piles at Kmart- who actually buys those books? However, that's just my theory and it based on the fact that I have a decline in paperback sales. From what I understand, they told me the traditional publishers were complaining as well.
I was not thrilled, but still okay with that. Then, when I bought the "last book left," the book comes up unavailable for a while, losing potential sales.That made me wild. I have a few promotions going on and noticed I had fewer paperback sales- they have been declining even though I am still promoting actively. I couldn't figure out why. I also noticed that certain paperbacks are selling well while others weren't- I believe the ones selling have not been labeled as "the last one in stock."
I told them that unless they fix it, I was moving to Ingram- I have a note into Ingram but they haven't responded. There appears to be no phone number for them. Does anyone have a number to call them?
I want to see how Ingram handles these things.
Mod
Mod
Mod
I hope you get it figured out. Just to share some research I was doing. The printing quality of standard color books from Ingram seems to be a little lower than createspace (but not much). The paper from Ingram's standard books is also a hair thinner than createspace. However, Ingram's premium color books are better quality printing and thicker paper, but much more expensive. Seems like premium might be a good choice for hardback but might overprice paperbacks.
Mod
Are people really willing to open their wallets for hardcover books? I looked into publishing one of my books in hardcover, and the price I would have to charge even to make $1 in royalties was so high that to my mind, it wasn't worth going to the trouble to set up the book. It's hard enough selling paperbacks these days. [added note: I understand schools and libraries want hardcovers (vs. paperbacks), but the royalties paid on wholesale purchases are so low (assuming they even know you exist) as to make the entire endeavor questionable.]
We have always sold a lot of paperbacks- usually 500 per month consistently in our combined books. I noticed certain books fell off recently.
I checked on of my son's books- It wasn't listed as Prime anymore- the price was reduced to 3.00 and there was only one left in stock.
I called and asked what happened to POD? They said Amazon is selling surplus books from small sellers. That once that books gets bought, it would be available again. I bought the book and then the book was totally unavailable in paperback. I tried to purchase it and it was put in my cart for LATER- effectively letting me lose the sale. WTH??
I wrote them and had that book put back up to POD- but now several of our books have that same message.
Any ideas what they are doing? It is definitely costing sales.